St. Louis classical calendar for the week of March 9, 2020

This week brings us the return of Opera Tastings from Opera Theatre, chamber music from the Chamber Project, and a Berlioz blockbuster at the SLSO.

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The artistic directors of The Chamber Project

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Tenacity on Tuesday, March 12, at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 pm. "Beautiful, haunting, and inspiring music for flute, harp and strings expresses the full range of human experience. TENACITY explores works by composers dealing with subjects almost too painful to bear, coupled with composers on the other side of tragedy, revealing the hope beyond the pain. Nilou Nour, a young Iranian-American composer, dives into humanity's psychological depths in a piece that reflects upon the work of the White Helmets in Syria. After serving in the front lines of both World Wars, the composer Laszlo Lajtha was responsible for the return of radio broadcasts to post-war Budapest. In his Harp Quintet, we hear the relief following the war and the survival of spirit through conflict. Opening the program is Perkinson's last unfinished work, Elegy, a symbolic finish to the work of a great African-American composer. Beautiful, haunting, and inspiring music for flute, harp and strings expresses the full range of human experience." The Tuesday concert takes place at the World Chess Hall of Fame, 4652 Maryland Avenue. The Saturday concert takes place at The Chapel Venue, 6238 Alexander Drive. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

The Metropolitan Orchestra

The Metropolitan Orchestra performs on Sunday, March 15, at 7 pm. "Come to the final concert of the eighth season of The Metropolitan Orchestra of Saint Louis. This highly acclaimed professional/ educational orchestra has a unique 'Share the Music Stand' program where students are able to play alongside seasoned professional musicians. This concert will feature Conductor Wendy Lea and Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor with cellist Bjorn Ranheim and Rachmaninoff Symphony No. 2" The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: moslmusic.org.

Kuzu

The New Music Circle presents Kuzu on Wednesday, March 11, at 8 pm. "Comprised of Tashi Dorji (electric guitar), Tyler Damon (drums), and Dave Rempis (saxophone), KUZU creates a sound that straddles free-jazz, improvised music, and noise-rock. Collectively, members have collaborated or toured with the likes of Joe McPhee, Joshua Abrams, Circuit Des Yeux, Godspeed You Black Emperor!, and David Grubbs. Influences range from jazz icons like Pharaoh Sanders and Yusef Lateef to Scandinavian black metal bands like Craft and Darkthrone." The performance takes place at Joe's Cafe, 6014 Kingsbury. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents Opera Tastings on Wednesday, and Thursday March 11 and 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. "Join us to expand your palate - and your love of music! Delight all your senses as opera is paired with delicious food and drink. Each culinary experience takes place at a different venue and features a unique menu crafted to complement the flavors of the music. What happens when you combine great singers with the region's best chefs and sommeliers? Pure mixology magic." The Wednesday event takes place Das Bevo, 4749 Gravois Ave in South City. The Thursday event takes place at Moulin Events, 2017 Chouteau Ave in Lafayette Square. For more information: www.opera-stl.org.

Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents its annual Sing for Siteman benefit concert on Saturday, March 14, at 7 pm, preceded by a reception at 6 pm. All proceeds benefit the Siteman Cancer Center. The concert takes place at the Performing Arts Center at John Burroughs School, 755 South Price Road. For more information: www.opera-stl.org.

Mezzo Isabel Leonard

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus Children's Choirs, and vocal soloists Isabel Leonard, mezzo-soprano (Marguerite); Michael Spyres, tenor (Faust); John Relyea, bass (Méphistophélès); and Anthony Clark Evans, baritone (Brander) on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, March 13 and 14. The program consists of Berlioz's "légende dramatique" The Damnation of Faust. "We've all had Berlioz's experience with a good book. 'I couldn't put it down. I read it at meals, in the street.' Berlioz transformed this book by Goethe into a concert opera, The Damnation of Faust. It is among Stéphane Denève's favorite works, and he brings a “dream cast” to tell its story of love, death and the devil." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of March 2, 2020

From string quartets to machine-inspired music, there's a world of variety on concert stages this week.

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis

Monday, March 2, at 7:30 pm, The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents Baroque Brass. St. Louis Symphony guest conductor Nicholas McGegan leads a program of music for trumpet, horn and strings by Vivaldi, Telemann, and others. Baroque Brass takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

The Kemper Art Museum presents The Darmstadt School as part of their Music at Kemper series on Thursday, March 5, at 6 pm. "Musicians Tracy Andreotti (cello), Henry Claude (percussion), Greg Mills (piano), and Henry Skolnick (bassoon) perform a selection of works by mid-20th-century experimental composers associated with the Darmstadt School. Karlheinz Stockhausen, Bruno Bartolozzi, Morton Feldman, and Earle Brown engaged with alternate forms of composition and notation, including serialism and graphic scores, that called for active interpretation by performers." The concert takes place at the Kemper Art Museum on the Washington University campus. For more information: kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents a concert by organist Dr. Lynn Trapp on Sunday, March 8 at 2:30 pm. "A consummate artist of the highest caliber, Dr. Lynn Trapp holds a distinguished career as a concert organist, pianist, conductor, composer and liturgist. From Carnegie Hall, NYC to Westminster Abbey, London his many concert appearances, more than 100 publications, academic awards, and clinician work has brought him great respect nationally and internationally. His career archives are established in perpetuity at the Hesburgh Library, University of Notre Dame." The concert takes place at the Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End. For more information: cathedralconcerts.org.

Timothy McAllister

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, along with saxophonist Timothy McAllister on Friday at 10:30 am and 8 pm and Saturday at 8 pm March 6 and 7. The program consists of Honegger's Pacific 231, John Adams's A Short Ride in a Fast Machine, Guillaume Connesson's saxophone concerto A Kind of Trane, Rousell's Symphony No. 3, and Ravel's Bolero. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents presents The Arianna String Quartet in American Fantasy on Friday March 6 at 8 pm. "In a program dedicated to the boundlessness of the American spirit, the Arianna Quartet performs three quartets that showcase distinct and diverse soundscapes inspired by American experiences. The ASQ leads this program with Frederick Tillis' Spiritual Fantasy No.12, an exultant and contemplative jazz and spiritual inspired work that embodies the sound of Tillis' unique American perspective. American composer Reena Esmail's mesmerizing string quartet “Ragamala” follows, exploring the layered textures of the Indian tradition of raags, where free explorations and elaborations of singular musical ideas evolve into transcendent expressions of time and space. Dvorak's celebratory “American” Quartet rounds out the evening with a fusion of sounds inspired by Native American drumming traditions, African American spirituals, twittering birdcalls from the American Midwest, and Czech folk music tradition." The Touhill Center is on the campus of the University of Missouri at St. Louis. For more information: touhill.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 24, 2020

Nicholas McGegan returns this weekend to conduct some of his faves at Powell Hall.

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The Community Music School of Webster University presents the Preperatory Program Winter Concert on Wednesday, February 26, at 7 pm. The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

Nicholas McGegan
nicholasmcgegan.com / Steve Sherman

Nicholas McGegan conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, along with pianist Seong-Jin Cho on Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, February 29 and March 1. The program consists Haydn's Symphony No. 31 ("Hornsignal"), Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Schubert's Symphony No. 5. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a University Wind Ensemble concert on Thursday, February 27, at 7:30 pm. The program place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

Scott Andrews

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Masterclass with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Principal Clarinet Scott Andrews on Friday, February 28, fro 4-6 pm. The event takes place in the recital hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 17, 2020

The IN UNISON Chorus celebrates Black History Month this week and the St. Louis Cathedral Concerts bring a cappella sounds to the Cathedral Basilica.

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The Metropolitan Orchestra performs on Sunday, February 23, at 7 pm. "This concert will feature Conductors Allen Carl Larson and Andrew Peters. The orchestra will perform Mozart's Piano Concerto in C major with pianist Jerry Chan and Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A." The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: moslmusic.org.

VOCES8

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents the a cappella vocal ensembles VOCES8 and the Crossroads Quartet on Friday, February 21 at 8 pm. The concert takes place at the Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End. For more information: cathedralconcerts.org.

The St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra presents a concert of music by Charbrier, Howard Hanson, Leonard Bernstein, and Rimsky-Korsakov on Friday, February 21, at 8 p.m. The concert takes place in the Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood University campus in St. Charles. For more information: stlphilharmonic.org.com.

The IN UNISON Chorus and SLSO

Kevin McBeth conducts the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus and soloist Oleta Adams in Lift Every Voice: A Black History Month Celebration, on Friday, February 20, at 7:30 pm. "Join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Grammy-nominated soprano Arlissa Hudson and the IN UNISON Chorus for Join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus for this cherished annual tradition - an evening of reflective and soulful music that celebrates the music of African-American and African cultures, which have inspired and influenced the St. Louis region and communities around the world." The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Gemma New conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and narrator Bobby Norfolk in Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf on Sunday, February 16, at 3 PM. “Join Peter and his animal friends on a symphonic adventure in Prokofiev's beloved work Peter and the Wolf. Introducing generations to orchestral music, each character in this musical fairy tale is represented by a different instrument of the orchestra. Together we experience the beautiful tapestry of orchestral color which reminds us of our own unique voices and personalities.” The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 10, 2020

Love is in the air this week, especially at the Chamber Music Society and the Touhill.

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis

The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents Lovefest Rides Again, a concert of Romantic music for Valentine's Day week, Monday and and Tuesday at 7:30 pm. The performances take place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

Eliot Unitarian Chapel presents a Friends of Music concert on Sunday, February 16, at 3 pm. Baritone Robert McNichols, Jr. and pianist Rebecca Koebbe will perform Robert Schumann's Dichterliebe, Op. 48 and cellist Beverly Field and pianist Toni Pearson will play Beethoven's Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 5, no. 2. The concert takes place at Eliot Unitarian Chapel is at 100 South Argonne in Kirkwood. For more information: fomcstl.org.

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Einstein Considered Light as Waves on Sunday, February 16, at 3 pm. " Join the Chamber Chorus for music exploring the motif of light. The title comes from an extraordinary piece by the Anglo-Bulgarian composer Dobrinka Tabakova, who is fast becoming a major figure in choral music in Europe. Other pieces include The Music of Light by the late Steven Stucky and part-songs by Robert Schumann, Randall Thompson and Valborg Aulin. The Chorus is also honored to present the world premiere of a piece commissioned for Sarah Bryan Miller, long-time classical music critic for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. This new work is a gift from a consortium of music programs in gratitude for her tireless efforts to promote vocal arts in St. Louis." The church is at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End. For more information: secondchurch.net.

Ben Folds joins The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra on Thursday and Friday, February 13 and 14, at 7:30. “Top indie rock sensation Ben Folds is back by popular demand after sold-out performances in 2017. A champion for orchestras, Folds blends pop and classical music to highlight the beauty of orchestra music, creating an engaging concert experience. Treat your special someone this Valentine's Day weekend while Ben Folds serenades for this one-of-a-kind performance, featuring fan-favorites and orchestral arrangements with the SLSO.” Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall, 718 North Grand in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Rafael Payare
Photo courtesy of the SLSO

Rafael Payare conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, along with violinist Baiba Skride on Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, February 15 and 16. The program consists Sofia Gubaidulina's Offertorium for violin and orchestra as well as Bruckner's Symphony No. 7. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Touhill Performing Arts Center presents presents The Arianna String Quartet and the St. Louis Ballet in Could This Be Love? on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm, February 14-16. "The program features “The American”, a ballet by Tony Award-_Winning director and choreographer Christopher Wheeldon, known to audiences _from An American in Paris on Broadway. One of today's most lauded_ choreographers, Wheeldon set the ballet to Dvorak's String Quartet #12 in F_ Major, Op. 96." The Touhill Center is on the campus of the University of Missouri at St. Louis. For more information: touhill.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of February 3, 2020

The Chamber Project and the St. Louis Symphony have it all to themselves this week.

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The artistic directors of The Chamber Project

The Chamber Project St. Louis presents Recess on Tuesday, February 4, at 7:30 pm and Sunday, February 9, at 7:00 pm. "A playful program of music for winds, this concert is sure to please. Inspired by local composer LJ White's duet for clarinets, Big Fish, we asked him to write a new piece for this concert which also features a thrilling work by Valerie Coleman and some beloved music for winds not often heard. " Tuesday's concert takes place at the Jefferson College Fine Arts Theater 1000 Viking Drive Hillsboro, MO. Sunday's concert takes place at the Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust in midtown. For more information: www.chamberprojectstl.org.

Stéphane Denève

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, along with soloists Ellie Dehn, soprano; Jennifer Johnson Cano, mezzo-soprano; Issachah Savage, tenor; and Davóne Tines, bass-baritone on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, February 7-9. The program consists of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 ("Choral") and the local premiere of Silent Night Elegy by Kevin Puts. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Cente. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 27, 2020

Music for a variety of different ensembles is available for your listening pleasure this week, from a trombone group to the full orchestra with piano soloist.

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis

The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents Mozartiana, a concert of chamber music by Mozart, Monday and Tuesday, January 27 and 28 at 7:30 pm. The performances take place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

The Community Music School of Webster University presents the Young People's Concert Orchestra on Sunday, February 2, at 2 pm. The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a Pulitzer Series concert on Tuesday and Wednesday January 28 and 29, at 7:30 PM. The concert features contemporary chamber works performed by members of the string section of the SLSO. The performance takes place at the Pultzer Center for the Arts, 3716 Washington. Note that the January 28 concert is currently sold out. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Pianist Saleem Ashkar

Nikolaj Szeps-Znaider conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, along with pianist Saleem Ashkar on Friday at 10:30 am Saturday at 8 pm, January 31 and February 1. The program consists of Schmnann's Manfred Overture, Mendelssohn's Piano Concerto No. 2, and a suite from Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty ballet. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Cente. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Second Presbyterian Church presents The Trombones of the St. Louis Symphony on Sunday, February 2, at 4 pm. "The Trombones will present works they have commissioned from composers with strong St. Louis roots including Caleb Burhans (Alarm Will Sound) and Adam Maness (The 442s). They also will perform their own arrangements of works by Giovanni Gabrieli, Sergei Prokofiev, and others." The church is at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End. For more information: secondchurch.net.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents St. Louis Symphony Principal Flute Mark Sparks, along with cellist Valentina Takova and pianist Peter Henderson, in a chamber music concert on Wednesday, January 29, at 8 pm. The program includes music by Bach, Phillippe Gaubert, and Verne Reynolds. The performance takes place at the Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center. For more information: thesheldon.org.

The University City Symphony Orchestra presents Slavic Soul on Sunday, November 24, at 3 pm, with a pre-concert talk at 2:15 pm. "Please join us in celebrating Slavic cultures with Russian violist Ivan Numerov. Mr. Numerov will excite audiences as he performs Niccolò Paganini's Violin Concerto No. 4, arranged for viola by E. Petrov. Also on the concert will be Ludwig van Beethoven's overture to The Creatures of Prometheus, and Wind Serenade by Antonín Dvorák” The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: ucso.org.

Pianist Aaron Diehl

The Department of Music at Washington University presents pianist Aaron Diehl in a concert of music by American composers on Friday, January 31, at 7:30 pm.   The program includes works by Copland, Gershwin, James P. Johnson, Duke Ellington and Jelly Roll Morton, and takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: https://music.wustl.edu/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents contemporary chamber group Alarm Will Sound on Saturday, February 1, at 7:30 pm.  "The program includes music by A. Pyper and Lucrecia Dalt as well as Hexactinellida by Chelsea Komschlies. A. Pyper joins Alarm Will Sound as singer and violinist for the world premiere of her new work, Descansos. Descansos are roadside memorials that mark where a loved one has died. Pyper’s work reflects on the composer’s own life experience growing up as a gay woman in a Mormon family, and trying to mark and move on from those spots in life where loss and trauma have occurred." The concert takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: https://music.wustl.edu/events.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 20, 2020

This week: new music for piano, chamber music for guitar, Star Wars in Concert, and a low brass blowout.

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Matthew Shipp

The New Music Circle presents pianist Matthew Shipp on Friday, January 24, at 8 pm. "In his unique and recognizable style, New York City pianist Matthew Shipp has performed and recorded vigorously from the late 1980s onward, creating music in which free jazz and modern classical intertwine. His approach to the piano reflects a concentrated blend of Thelonious Monk's phrasing and the improvised explorations of Cecil Taylor." The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center in University City. For more information: newmusiccircle.org.

The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society presents guitarist Mark Grgic and members of the Chamber Music Society of St. Louis in concert Monday and Tuesday, January 20 and 21 at 7:30 pm. The performances take place in the ballroom at the Sheldon in Grand Center. For more information: stlclassicalguitar.com.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back
Photo courtesy of the SLSO

Joshua Gersen conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back in Concert, Thursday through Saturday at 7 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm, January 23-26. "The battle for the galaxy intensifies in the intergalactic adventure of the unfolding saga Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back In Concert. Travel to a galaxy far, far away and experience the iconic film on the big screen at Powell Hall as the SLSO performs the score live." Performances take place at Powell Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Schlafly Tap Room presents the St. Louis Low Brass Collective in a Low Brass Spectacular on Tuesday, January 21, at 7:30 PM. “Join us as we present another great concert of Low Brass Music, featuring British Jazz trombonist Carol Jarvis, with rhythm section, and String Quartet. We will also present our 9th Commissioned work, written especially for the organization. Featuring the best and brightest low brass from around the St. Louis Region.” The Schlafly Tap Room is at 2100 Locust downtoan. For more information: stllbc.org.

The St. Louis classical calendar for the week of January 13, 2020

This week brings recitals at Webster University's Community Music School along with two appearances by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and the Metropolitan Opera regional auditions.

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The Community Music School of Webster University presents the CMS String Ensemble and String Orchestra in concert on Sunday, January 19, at 2 pm. The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

The Community Music School of Webster University presents the Young People's Symphonic Orchestra in concert on Sunday, January 19, at 6 pm. The Community Music School is at 535 Garden Avenue on the Webster University campus. For more information: webster.edu/cms.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Photo courtesy of the SLSO

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, along with pianist Jean-Yven Thibaudet on Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, December January 18 and 10. The program consists of Wagner's Siegfried Idyll, Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 2, Anna Clyne's This Midnight Hour, and Richard Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier Suite. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in a program of chamber music by Poulenc and Shostakovich on Friday, January 17, at 7:30 pm. The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents The Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, St. Louis District, on Saturday, January 18, from 10 am to approximately 4 pm. "The St. Louis District typically hosts up to 35 singers. Each participating singer is expected to prepare five arias, two of which they will perform at the audition- one of their choosing and one chosen by the judges. Typically there are three District winners who go on to compete in the regional competition with the hope of continuing to the national level in New York." The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

The St. Louis classical calendar for the week of December 16, 2019

More holiday sounds are in the air this week, as well as with a non-traditional Christmas movie at Powell Hall.

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Tenor Hugh Smith

The Compton Heights Concert Band presents their annual Holiday Pops Concert on Sunday, December 22, at 3 pm. "The Compton Heights Concert Band's 21st Annual Holiday Pops Spectacular! features its 60-piece Band, with an all-star lineup of guest artists, Hugh Smith, tenor, Gina Galati, soprano, Bob Ellison, baritone, Beverly Stewart-Anderson, soprano, and the Abbey Road Warriors." The performance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Christmas Down Under on Sunday, December 22, at 3 pm. "Celebrating the season at the hottest time of the year changes one's perspective, as shown by the “bush carols” of William James. Even familiar carols find new harmonies by Australian and New Zealand composers from Malcolm Williamson & Peter Sculthorpe, to Owen Elsley & Clare Maclean. Fresh arrangements of holiday favorites will resound in one of St. Louis' most original buildings." The concert takes place at the St. Louis Abbey Church, 500 S. Mason Road in Creve Coeur. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org.

The St. Louis Low Brass Collective presents a Holiday Low Brass Play Along on Saturday, December 21, at 10 am. "Every year the STLLBC welcomes all low brass musicians to the Missouri Botanical Garden to ring in the holiday season the best way we know how, on low brass instruments. This event is free and open to everyone. There is a rehearsal for all performers starting at 10 and we will perform at noon." The event takes place at Missouri Botanical Garden in the Shaw Neighborhood For more information: www.stllbc.org.

The IN UNISON Chorus

Kevin McBeth conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus, along with vocal soloist Kennedy Holmes, in A Gospel Christmas on Wednesday and Thursday, December 18 and 19, at 7:30 pm. "Celebrate the holiday season with the SLSO and IN UNISON Chorus as they perform Gospel renditions of your holiday favorites. This season's celebrations feature fourteen-year-old St. Louis native Kennedy Holmes, who recently placed 4th on Season 15 of NBC's hit show The Voice. This powerful performance is a perfect way to celebrate the joyous season." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The St. Louis Sympony Orchestra, conducted by Joshua Green, presents a showing of the film Home Alone, with the score performed live, on Friday at 7 pm and Saturday at 2 pm, December 20 and 21. "Back by popular demand, the SLSO performs the 1990's holiday classic, Home Alone, complete with John Williams' whimsical score. When the McCallisters left on family vacation, they forgot one thing-Kevin! From plain cheese pizza to elaborate pranks, this cherished film will put you in the holiday spirit." The performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The 442s

The Washington University Department of Music presents The 442s Holiday Spectacular on Tuesday, December 17, at 7:30 pm. The 442s are Shawn Weil, violin; Michael Casimir, viola; Bjorn Ranheim, cello; Bob Deboo, bass; and Adam Maness, multi-instrumentalist. "Back by popular demand, The 442s are joined by some of the brightest stars of the local and national music scene in presenting their not-to-be-missed annual Holiday Spectacular! Performing traditional and original favorites that break down boundaries between jazz, soul, pop and classical music, this concert will get you in the perfect holiday spirit! Special guests include Peter Martin, Brian Owens, Montez Coleman, Anita Jackson and many other surprise performers." The concert takes place in the Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center at 560 Trinity in University City. For more information, music.wustl.edu or call 314-935-5566.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of December 2, 2019

Christmas concerts are starting to appear this week, with holiday-themed events at the Cathedral Basilica and Powell Hall.

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents As the Winds Blow on Saturday, December 7, at 2 pm. "No windbags here. Just some exciting woodwind music that will take your breath away. Works by Reicha, Hindemith, Vinter, Nielsen and Ibert." Performances take place at the Sheldon, 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

CHARIS

CHARIS, the St. Louis Women's Chorus, presents Snapshot on Friday and Saturday December 6 and 7, at 8 pm. "A picture is worth a thousand words-at minimum-and a single snapshot can inspire a multitude of stories and interpretations. In CHARIS's fall 2019 show, “Snapshot,” we draw inspiration from two photographic sources: first, the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographs on display at Missouri History Museum, and second, portraits commissioned from local photographers that capture the lives and stories of individuals in our local community, especially the women and members of the LGBTQ+ community who are at the heart of our mission. Each song in the concert will be inspired by a photograph and its thousands of possible words." The performances take place in the auditorium at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information: charischorus.org.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents Christmas at the Cathedral on Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2:30 pm. "Experience the joy of the music of Christmas with the St. Louis Archdiocesan Choirs and Orchestra . The program includes the Christmas portion of The Messiah and other Christmas classics old and new at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis!" The concerts take place at the Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End. For more information: cathedralconcerts.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents the Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra in Big Band Holidays on Wednesday, December 4, at 7:30 pm. "It's the most wonderful time of year! The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis are coming to Powell Hall. Featuring soulful, big band versions of classics like “Jingle Bells,” “Joy to the World” and “Brazilian Sleigh Ride,” Big Band Holidays is an uplifting holiday program that's sure to brighten the season." The performance taks place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Richard Egarr
Photo courtesy of the SLSO

Richard Egarr conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, along with violin soloists Kristin Ahlstrom and Angie Smart and flute soloist Andrea Kaplan in Baroque Fireworks. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, December 6-8. "Handel heralds the holidays. Brilliant brass gleam in the Music for the Royal Fireworks and Water Music. Then strings take center-stage for Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3, featuring the famous “Air on a G string.” Conductor Richard Egarr leads the orchestra from the harpsichord for Bach's Brandenburg No. 5, which features soloists from the SLSO." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Cente. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents Solisti St. Louis featuring Amy Greenhalgh, viola, Benedetta Orsi, mezzo-soprano, and Dana Hotle, clarinet, performing music by Saint-Saëns, Richter, Weber, and Tchaikovsky on Friday, December 6, at 7:30 pm. The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents bass-baritone Eric Owens and pianist Jeremy Denk performing Schubert's song cycle Winterreise on Sunday, December 8, at 7 pm. The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of November 25, 2019

Holiday music starts to show up on programs this week, including a complete Nutcracker at the SLSO.

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The Metropolitan Orchestra

The Metropolitan Orchestra performs on Sunday, September 15, at 7 pm. "This concert will feature Conductor Wendy Lea and Summer Evening by Kodaly, Shostakovich's Chamber Symphony in c minor and Mozart's Symphony No. 38 in D major." The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church, 100 E. Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: moslmusic.org.

St. Louis Cathedral Concerts presents the Vienna Boys Choir Holiday Concert on Friday, November 29, at 2:30 pm. "Kick-off the holidays with the delightful sounds of the Vienna Boys Choir as they bring their holiday program to St. Louis!" The concert takes place at the Cathedral Basilica in the Central West End. For more information: cathedralconcerts.org.

Conductor Andrew Grams

Andrew Grams conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and St. Louis Children's Choirs in a complete performance of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker ballet on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm, November 29 - December 1. The program includes special lighting design by Luke Kritzeck. Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Cente. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Strings and Chamber Music Division Recital on Saturday, December 1, at 7 pm. The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of November 18, 2019

There's a lot of concert action at Washington University this week, along with some classical favorites elsewhere.

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The artistic directors of The Chamber Project

The Chamber Project STL presents Beauty on Friday, November 22, at 7:30 pm. "Redefining the ideal. Who gets to decide what's beautiful and why? From the old tradition of Brahms, to the new pop infused, multicultural sounds of Dinuk Wijerante, and new sounds from one of St. Louis' most creative and original musicians, Syna So Pro, the music on this program will give you new ways to hear old sounds." The concert, which is preceded by a Happy Hour at 5 pm, takes place at the Contemporary Art Museum at 3750 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: chamberprojectstl.org.

The St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra presents a concert of music by Beethoven, Verdi, Rossini, Sinigaglia, and Dvorak on Frday, November 22, at 8 p.m. Program, which features the winner of the orchestra's Aspiring Young Soloist Contest, consists of Elgar's Cockaigne Overture, Glazanov's "Autumn" from The Seasons, Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 2, and a work to be selected by the winning soloist. The concert takes place in Purser Auditorium on the campus of Logan University, 1851 Shoettler Road in Chesterfield, MO. For more information: stlphilharmonic.org.

Simon Trpčeski
Photo courtesy of SLSO

Marcelo Lehninge conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, along with piano soloist Simon Simon Trpčeski, in Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 1 along with Hindemith's Concert Music for Strings and Brass, and Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition in the Ravel orchestration on Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, November 22 and 23. "The SLSO is a chameleon. In Ravel's hands, the orchestra becomes a gnome on crooked legs, a clutch of chicks, a group of quarreling children. Prokofiev makes the SLSO sigh and emote, and in Hindemith's Concert Music, the brass and strings paint with rich, dark colors. Pianist Simon Trp_eski returns to play Prokofiev's concerto, music that runs through his veins." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Cente. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The University City Symphony Orchestra

The University City Symphony Orchestra performs on Sunday, November 24, at 3 pm, with a pre-concert talk at 2:15 pm. "We hope you join us in a celebration of Spain, with guest artist Alejandro Drago performing Pedro Vilarroig's Violin Concerto. This contemporary work premiered last season in Spain and North Dakota, and we are excited to share it with our St. Louis community. Guest conductor Vicente Ariño Pellicer will travel from Spain to lead the orchestra for this special performance. The program will conclude with Ludwig van Beethoven's 7th Symphony.” The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: ucso.org.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Friends of Music Concerto Competition on Tuesday, November 19, at 4 pm. The event takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Wind Ensemble Concert on Thursday, November 21, at 7:30 pm. The event includes music by Alfred Reed, Aaron Perrine, and Gustav Holst, takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Guitar Gala on Friday, November 22, at 8 pm. The event includes music by Bach, Tarregá, and Villa-Lobos, takes place in the Pillsbury Theatre at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a Piano Division Recital on Saturday, November 23, at 2 pm. The event includes music by Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Liszt, takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

The Department of Music at Washington University presents a concert by the University Concert Choir and Chamber Choir on Sunday, November 24, at 7 pm. The event includes music by John Rutter and Jennifer Higdon, takes place in the E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of October 21, 2019

This week, the Bach Society does Mozart, Second Presbyterian Church presents an organ recital, and it's Harry Potter time at the SLSO.

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The Bach Society

The Bach Society of St. Louis presents a performance of Mozart's Requiem on Sunday, October 27, at 3 pm. "An iconic masterpiece, Mozart's Requiem in D minor, K 626 embraces and inspires. This revered work is paired with Bach's festive setting of the Magnificat in D Major. Guest soloists soprano Emily Birsan, mezzo-soprano Alice Anne Light, tenor Gene Stenger, and bass David Rugger join the Bach Society Chorus and Orchestra." The concert takes place at First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, 100 E. Adams in Kirkwood. For more information: www.bachsociety.org.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Norman Huynh, presents a showing of the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, with the score performed live, on Friday and Saturday at 7 pm and Sunday at 2 pm, October 25-27. "See what happens when Harry discovers a mysterious potions book in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ in Concert! Projected onto a giant screen and accompanied by the SLSO, you can join in on Harry's adventures like never before. Nicholas Hooper's wonderful score and J.K. Rowling's classic tale combine to deliver all the adventure, humor and suspense you remember in an experience you'll never forget." The performances take place at Powell Hall in Grand Center.For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Second Presbyterian Church presents an organ recital by Michael Unger on Sunday, October 27, at 4 pm. "Dr. Unger is the Assistant Professor of Organ and Harpsichord at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. The church is at 4501 Westminster Place in the Central West End. For more information: secondchurch.net.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of October 14, 2019

This week: chamber music, the return of Denève, and a classical cabaret.

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The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis
at the Sheldon

The Chamber Music Society of St. Louis presents No Place Like Home on Monday and Tuesday, October 14 and 15, at 7:30 pm. "Exploring music by American composers which includes works by Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, George Gershwin, William Bolcom plus the "American" string quartet by Antonin Dvorák. Performances take place at the Sheldon, 3648 Washington in Grand Center. For more information: chambermusicstl.org.

Karen Gomyo
Photo courtesy of the SLSO

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with violin soloist Karen Gomyo in Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1, a suite from Poulenc's ballet Les Biches, and Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm October 18-20. "Stéphane Denève leads a concert of "desert island" music. Rachmaninoff's final orchestral work celebrates a life well-lived with joyful dances, heartbreaking melodies and orchestral brilliance. Poulenc's ballet fizzes like popped champagne, while Karen Gomyo, an 'artist of rare command, brilliance and intensity,' (Chicago Tribune) breathes pure musical sunlight into Prokofiev's concerto." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Women's HOPE Chorale of St. Louis (WHCSTL) presents A Classical Cabaret on Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 pm. Professional singers from the Chorale will perform a variety of selections from opera arias to Broadway show tunes. The performance takes place at the Kranzberg Arts Center Studio, 501 N. Grand in Grand Center. Tickets to the event, which is a fundraiser for the organization, are available online at Metrotix in advance as well as at the box office beginning at 6:30 pm the night of the event. For more information: www.womenshopechoralestl.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of October 7, 2019

It's a big weekend for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, as well as our local community orchestras.

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The St. Louis Low Brass Collective presents Octubafest on Saturday, October 12, at 3 pm. "Low Brass Polkas and Marches to Celebrate Octoberfest in the Soulard, come and play trombone, euphonium, and or tuba. Light, fun, and easy going, short optional rehearsal before we play to the revelers out at Soulard Market." The event takes place at the Soulard Market, 720 Carroll in Soulard. For more information: stllbc.org.

The St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra

The St. Louis Philharmonic Orchestra presents a concert of music by Beethoven, Verdi, Rossini, Sinigaglia, and Dvorak on Thursday, November 11, at 8 p.m. The program includes Dvorak's Symphony No. 7, "From the New World", and Beethoven's "Coriolan" Overture. The concert takes place in Purser Auditorium on the campus of Logan University, 1851 Shoettler Road in Chesterfield, MO. For more information: stlphilharmonic.org.com.

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents a Pulitzer Series concert on Tuesday and Wednesday October 8 and 9, at 7:30 PM. The concert features Memory Place by Christopher Cerrone and Songbirdsongs by John Luther Adams, performed by members of the woodwind and percussion sections of the SLSO. The performance takes place at the Pultzer Center for the Arts, 3716 Washington. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Lucas Waldin conducts the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and IN UNISON Chorus, along with vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw, in A Tribute to Aretha Franklin on Friday, October 11, at 7:30 pm. The concert takes place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Leonard Slatkin

Leonard Slatkin conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with Principal Oboe Jelena Dirks in Mozart's Oboe Concerto, K. 314; Richard Strauss's Ein Heldenleben; and Yet Another Set of Variations (on a Theme of Paganini) by various composers. Performances are Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 3 pm October 12 and 13. "As Conductor Laureate, Leonard Slatkin is part of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra family. To celebrate his 75th birthday, the orchestra performs a new set of variations on Paganini's most popular melody. SLSO Principal Oboe Jelena Dirks makes her first major concerto appearance with Mozart's Concerto, while Richard Strauss' Ein Heldenleben displays the skill of every section of the SLSO." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The University City Symphony Orchestra presents its season premiere concert on Sunday, October 13, at 3 pm, with a pre-concert talk at 2:15 pm. "Be Our Guest! You are cordially invited to the UCSO's opening concert of the 2019-2020 Season. The concert will feature violinist Manuel Ramos in a stunning performance of the Rodolfo Halffter Violin Concerto - a rare gem. Come see what makes the UCSO 'The World's Most Adventurous Community Orchestra!'.”The performance takes place at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: ucso.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 30, 2019

It's officially fall, but the weather is hot and so is the local classical scene, with concerts from (among others) the SLSO, the Chamber Project, and nationally known organist Christopher Houlihan.

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The Bach Society of St. Louis presents Bachtoberfest on Friday, October 4, at 6 pm. " Join us for a festive evening of beer, wine, German fare and Deutschland's favorite drinking songs at the Anheuser Busch Biergarten! Attire is casual or Oktoberfest flair!" The event takes place at the Anheuser Busch Beer Garden, 1200 Lynch. For more information: www.bachsociety.org.

Members of The Chamber Project St. Louis

The Chamber Project STL presents a Very Open Rehearsal on Thursday, October 3, from 7 to 8pm. "Be a part of a working rehearsal with Chamber Project St. Louis. Learn about the process of making music in this casual, interactive musical experience. Ask questions about the music, the instruments, the musicians - whatever comes to mind. A moderator will facilitate engagement between the audience and the musicians, who will be preparing a piece for the upcoming concert on October 11." The event takes place at the Thornhill Branch of the St. Louis County Library, 12863 Willowyck Dr. For more information: chamberprojectstl.org.

Christopher Houlihan

Hope Lutheran Church presents organist Christopher Houlihan in a dedication recital for the church's newly constructed Parsons Pipe Organ on Friday, October 4, at 7:30 pm. "Houlihan's organ dedication recital includes favorites by Bach, Buxtehude, Schumann, Herbert Howells, and excerpts from Louis Vierne's Symphony No. 2. A renowned interpreter of Vierne's organ music, Houlihan's 'Vierne 2012' tour attracted international attention and critical acclaim for his marathon performances of Vierne's six organ symphonies in six major North American cities. The Los Angeles Times called his performance there 'a major surprise of the summer, a true revelation'.” Hope Lutheran Church is at 5218 Neosho Street. For more information: http://www.hopelutheranstl.org/home.

The St. Louis Chamber Chorus presents Swimming Over London on Sunday, October 6, at 3 pm. "Join the Saint Louis Chamber Chorus for the opening of Barnes' 31st year and another season of inspired choral music. Bob Chilcott's piece Swimming Over London inspires the theme, which is designed to suit the concert's venue. Now an African American masonic lodge, Masonic Prince Hall Grand originally housed a swimming pool! In addition to Chilcott's piece, the repertoire explores the motif of water in legends of submerged cities (Brahms and Edgar Bainton), to music that evokes lakes and rivers in England, Scotland and Poland in part songs celebrating the Thames (Arthur Bliss), Loch Lomond (Vaughan Williams), and the Vistula (Henryk Górecki)." The concert takes place at the Masonic Prince Hall Grand Lodge, 4525 Olive in Midtown. For more information: www.chamberchorus.org.

Lily Afshar

The St. Louis Classical Guitar Society presents Lily Afshar in Celebrating Women of Classical Guitar on Saturday, October 5, at 8 pm. “Who better to kick off our celebration of women in classical guitar than the first woman in the world to be awarded a Doctor of Music in Guitar Performance? Dr. Lily Afshar holds this claim to fame alongside her long list of equally as impressive accolades. Originally from Iran, her performance will feature Persian and Azerbaijani Ballads which are sure to delight.” The performance takes place at the Ethical Society, 9001 Clayton Road. For more information: www.guitarstlouis.net.

Edo de Waart conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra along with pianist Joyce Yang in Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 and Elgar's Symphony No. 1 on Friday at 10:30 am and Saturday at 8 pm, October 4 and 5. "Two composers, contemporaries yet strangers, poured their whole selves into their music. Pianist Joyce Yang, “an astonishing virtuoso,” makes her SLSO debut. She captures a full kaleidoscope on Rachmaninoff's journey from darkness into light. Elgar's First Symphony was a hit from its first performance, a musical autobiography that surges with pride, love and joy." Performances take place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Gemma New

Gemma New conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in a free community concert on Friday, October 4, at 7 pm. Sharing the stage with more than 100 music educators in a program that celebrates the importance of music education. The EXTRA CREDIT concert is a special side-by-side concert with musicians of the SLSO that celebrates the contributions of educators who teach music. The erformance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Gemma New conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra in Music Without Boundaries on Sunday, October 6, at 3 pm. "Music is a language spoken around the world, with unique regional dialects created through differences in rhythm, style, instrumentation and tradition. In partnership with the World Traveler Gallery at The Magic House, we will travel around the world exploring a variety of music from different cultures." The concert includes works by Bernstein, Ravel, and Mendelssohn. The erformance takes place at Powell Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 23, 2019

It's a short calendar this week, with both events featuring the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

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Kelley O'Connor

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Chorus along with soloists Joélle Harvey (soprano) and Kelley O'Connor (mezzo-soprano) in a performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2 ("Resurrection") Friday and Saturday at 8 pm September 27 and 28. "The Emerson Concert Stage at Powell Hall is filled with SLSO musicians and the St. Louis Symphony Chorus. Audience members sit on the edge of their seats. A giant orchestra and chorus hold its collective breath. Then, suddenly, Denève and his musicians launch themselves into Mahler's journey of love, death and redemption. Live performances exist for moments like this." Performances take place at Powel Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents The St. Louis Symphony on the South Forty at 5:30 pm on Monday, September 23. "Join students, faculty, staff, and community members for a night featuring string quartets from the St. Louis Symphony and Washington University in St. Louis." The event takes place on the outside patio at the Bear's Den on the Washington University campus. For more information: music.wustl.edu/events.

St. Louis classical calendar for the week of September 16, 2019

Lots of new music on the program this week, including concerts by the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and New Music Circle.

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The New Music Circle presents Out Sounds: Daniel Wyche (Chicago) w/ McNeil/Williams on Friday, September 21, at 8 pm. "Daniel Wyche is a Chicago-based guitarist, composer and improviser. Working with a wide range of physical preparations, extended techniques, and pedal instruments, his recorded work and live performances are characterized by long-form structured improvisations. Recently, this approach has become increasingly integrated with the exploration of multi-channel performance and the spatialization of sound, including new compositions for quad- and 8-channel guitar." The performance takes place at the Flood Plain Gallery, 3151 Cherokee. For more information: floodplaingallery.org.

Jean-Yves Thibaudet
jeanyvesthibaudet.com

Stéphane Denève conducts The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 3 pm, September 21 and 22. "Stéphane Denève's first concert as SLSO Music Director is a joyous celebration, which includes the world premiere of a piece the SLSO commissioned in his honor. Gershwin's much-loved An American in Paris is conducted by a Frenchman in St. Louis. Denève introduces the SLSO's first Artist-in-Residence, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, who plays a concerto that sparkles and swings, and Debussy shows off the color and vitality of this great orchestra and its new leader." Performances take place at Powel Symphony Hall in Grand Center. For more information: stlsymphony.org.

Soorya Performing Arts presents the 6th STL Indian Music Festival Friday through Sunday, September 20-22. "Presenting an absolute experience of Indian Music, including traditional, classical, instrumental and modern. Food and drinks available for purchase." The festival takes place at the Gandhi Center, 727 Weidman Rd in Ballwin, MO. For more information: www.sooryaperformingarts.org.

The Washington University Department of Music presents the 560 Block Party from 5 to 7 pm on Tuesday, September 17. "Free block party to celebrate the upcoming season with students, faculty, staff, friends, and 560 Music Center arts organizations that call us home! Enjoy live music provided by jazz pianist Kara Baldus followed by the Zafira Quartet while sipping on free beer (generously donated by Urban Chestnut) and sangria. Free food will also be provided! RSVP to this event today!" The event takes place on the Front Plaza at the 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity in University City. For more information: music.wustl.edu